What happens when there's an ice storm before Christmas? Find out in this gentle book. Aiden is excited about Grandma and Grandpa visiting and playing the star in the Christmas play. Even though there are disappointments, there are blessings, too. The world changes inside and out. Everything sparkles. The community comes together in an unexpected way, and Aiden gains insight into how he is connected to the Christmas story in the "marvelous, mysterious mix." Laura Alary's lyrical language evokes a mood and a message, one of hope where God is present even in the darkness. Thank you to Beaming Books for the complimentary copy of this book.
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In this sweet autumn story of two animal friends, Boo and Belle, a mix-up almost spoils their friendship. Belle is cleaning and baking treats for her annual Pumpkin Day tea. Boo thinks Belle didn’t invite him this year. He doesn’t know the invitation got lost in the mail. The book ends happily when Belle goes looking for Boo and they realize what happened. Plus, there’s twist, but I don’t want to give it away. Thankfulness is the theme of the Bible verses that begin and end the book. Thank you to Paraclete Press for the complimentary copy of this book.
The name says it all! One Perfect Plan is the perfect way to introduce young children to the Bible. It touches upon important Bible stories repeating the word “one.” The book opens with one word, one garden, one serpent, and one God. Rhyming couplets summarize the Bible’s big stories. Scripture references point to passages to read more. It’s an amazing overview! The illustrations by Alina Chau capture the Bible’s wonder and majesty. Thanks to the author, Nancy Tupper Ling, for the complimentary copy of this book.  The whole time I read the graphic novel Arty I was smiling. It’s full of humor and heart. Arty is a lonely fish who wants a friend. But Arty is also a Betta fish, and Betta fish are not supposed to have friends; they are supposed to fight. This 102-page book can be enjoyed on several levels. Young children will enjoy swimming with Arty to find the wise snail to ask about friendship. Older children will get the jokes. Along the way, Arty meets a slug who becomes his friend, although it takes Arty a little while to realize it. The artwork by author-illustrator Penny Schneider was full of expression and movement and fun! Back matter includes "bloopers" and fun facts about both Betta fish and slugs. Thank you Monarch Educational Services for the digital copy of this book.
 I love the way this book inspires and teaches not only about the ocean but about God's love as well as our responsibility to care of the ocean. The book is made of three parts, the story, information, and Bible verse. All three fit together perfectly. The illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguens are charming. So glad I received a review copy. Highly recommended!
We have twin grandsons who loved transportation vehicles when they were little. They would have loved Let's Go! Bible Stories! What a creative way to get kids interested in the Bible. I love the comparison from ancient ways of transportation to modern day. I love the format indicating the Scripture reference, rhyming verse, question, and "What Else?" I love framing a child's walk with God as an "adventure." This is a great introduction to the Bible!
 Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide by Laura Alary was a joy to read. Written in lyrical prose, it explores two realities, the Easter Story that happened when Jesus died and the Easter Story we live today. She gives the reader space to look and learn and wonder. The book is separated into five chapters: In the Garden, At the Table, One the Beach, In Everything, and Easter People. Each one explores the theme in a way that is both profound and easily understood. Her book is gentle, like a hug, but it’s powerful, too. It gives the big picture of Easter by comparing Bible stories to modern scenes. The illustrations are beautiful, soft, almost dreamlike. What a wonderful addition to the Circle of Wonder series. I am thankful and honored I was given a free digital copy of this book to write a review.
 What a fun book! Talking about the Bible and all kinds of feet--including stinky feet!--is a different way to introduce young children to the Bible. The rhyming verse starts out in present day focusing on the feet theme. Then quickly introduces the Bible starting with the comforting story in the Old Testament of Noah (and his hairy feet) keeping God's creatures safe. After a few other OT stories, the book progresses to the New Testament with Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. I love the way the book then brings the reader back to present day: "And ever since that Easter Day, Christ's followers have found a way with faithful feet from place to place to spread God's love and share God's grace." The illustrations represent a number of children so everyone will be able to relate. Faithful Feet offers a new way to connect with the Bible and a great addition to Bible story retellings!
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